Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

Profitability Analysis Of Palm Oil Production In Igbo Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

2024-03-14T09:17:10+00:00

This study analyzed the profitability of palm oil production in Igbo Etiti L.G.A of Enugu State, Nigeria. Both multi-stage random and purposive sampling procedures were used to select 120 small-scale palm oil producers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants and analysed using frequency, percentage, and gross margin analysis. The results show that more than half (55.0) percent of palm oil producers use the traditional method of palm oil processing to produce their product whereas 17.5 percent used the mechanical method. The producers sourced their palm fruits mainly from self-sourcing (65 percent), friends and relatives (55.8 percent), and the open market (44.2 percent). The profitability analysis indicates that the total cost of N2,503,100 was incurred as the production cost for palm oil in the 2021 production cycle, out of which N429,000 representing 17.1 percent was expended on the total fixed assets while the total variable cost gulped N2,074,100, representing 82.9 percent of the entire cost. The sum of N796,900 was realized as the net profit from palm oil production in the area. This attests to the profitability of palm oil production in the area. The benefit-cost ratio analysis yielded a value above one (1.3), confirming the viability of palm oil production in the area. The study recommends that the government should initiate a policy that will encourage more people to get involved in palm oil production, as well as, facilitate the transition of palm oil production from the traditional method to the mechanical method.

Spatial Variation Of Vegetation Cover In Ilaro Forest Reserve, Ipake Ogun State

2024-03-14T09:23:05+00:00

The study assessed the vegetation of Ilaro Forest Reserve through remote sensing approach for years, 2015, 2019 and 2022. Satellite images of the corresponding years were downloaded and analyzed to compute the Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) and to produce an NDVI map. The result showed that in 2015, there were four land covers which are; Builtup Areas, Shrubs and Grasslands, Sparse vegetation and Dense Vegetation while in 2019 and 2023, five land covers were observed which include Builtup Areas, Shrubs and Grasslands, Sparse vegetation, Dense vegetation and Barren Land. Furthermore, each of the land covers varied from 2015 through 2022. There was increase in barren land (0.01%), dense vegetation (0.72%) and sparse vegetation (5.35%) while builtup areas and shrubs and grasslands decreased by 0.08% and 5.99% respectively between 2015 and 2019. However, from 2019 to 2022, shrubs and grasslands decreased further by 3.66% while barren land, built-up areas, dense vegetation, and sparse vegetation increased by 0.02%, 0.06%, 0.03% and 3.53% respectively. The overall coverage of the land showed that from 2015 to 2022, there was a general increase in barren land (0.03%), dense vegetation (0.75%) and sparse vegetation (9.12%) while a decline in built-up areas (0.02%) and shrubs and grasslands were observed. The study showed that there was vegetation gain in the forest reserve due to reforestation project sponsored by the State government in 2017. The project impacted positively on the forest reserve and more of these projects should be encouraged by government.

Performance And Adoptability Of Mulching Technology To Control Soil Erosion: Case Study Of The Sebeya Catchment In Rwanda

2024-03-14T09:44:25+00:00

Soil erosion is a pressing environmental concern that poses significant threats to agricultural productivity, watershed health, and ecosystem stability. This research investigates the performance and adoptability of mulching technology as a Soil Erosion Control Measure (SECM) within the Sebeya catchment. This study employed various methods including a review of existing literature, on-site visits, structured interviews, and focus group discussions to evaluate the factors contributing to soil erosion, its impacts, and the variety of SECM within the Sebeya catchment. Among the 96 farmers surveyed in this research, it was evident that the natural reasons for soil erosion in the Sebeya drainage area were often attributed to the intense rainfall (23%) and steep slopes (22%). Also, the influence of lack of SECM and the continuous ploughing is significant with 22% and 22% respectively. The availability of mulching materials can vary significantly based on the geographic location, agricultural practices, and economic factors. In the Sebeya catchment, mulching materials often sourced from crop residues and vegetative residues. To address the risks associated with soil erosion, various site-specific measures were recommended. Using the Universal Soil Erosion Equation (USLE) model, the suggested Soil Erosion Control measures (SECM) were simulated with a significant decrease in soil loss, dropping from 73.05 t/ha/y to 19.62 t/ha/y. By incorporating mulching technology into the recommended SECM to mitigate soil erosion, the soil erosion rates reduced to permissible soil loss from 19.62 t/ha/y to 11.26 t/ha/y. To effectively reduce the high rates of soil erosion to acceptable levels within the Sebeya drainage area, this study advocates for the implementation of the recommended site-specific soil erosion control measures combined with mulching, drainage channels, and the stabilizing grasses on the same farmland. Implementing SECM stands as the optimal choice for enhancing soil productivity while reducing sedimentation in downstream rivers and lakes.

Molecular identification and characterization of endophytic bacteria from root of chamaecrista rotundifolia growing on the nigerian air force shooting range, kaduna.

2024-03-14T10:00:14+00:00

Chamaecrista rotundifolia is one of the few plant species growing on heavy metal-contaminated Nigerian Air Force shooting range, Kaduna. This microbially unexplored plant species can have microbial association with endophytes. This study was aimed at isolating, identifying and characterizing endophytic bacteria associated with the roots of Chamaecrista rotundifolia growing on the Nigerian Air Force shooting range, Kaduna. The identification of the endophytic bacteria was done using standard biochemical methods and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The isolates were then screened for antibiotic resistance, plant growth promoting properties and heavy metal tolerance using standard techniques. Varied concentrations of heavy metal salts (Pb²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ni²⁺ and Mn²⁺) were used to test the isolates for their heavy metal tolerance. Four endophytic bacteria isolated from the roots of C. rotundifolia were Aerococcus viridans, Peribacillus simplex, Staphylococcus simplex and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results on antibiotic sensitivity test revealed that the four isolates were resistant to most of the antibiotics. The isolates possessed plant growth promoting properties by showing positive results for Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic (ACC) deaminase activity and phosphate solubilizing. Results also revealed that the isolates showed some degree of tolerance to the heavy metals. The tolerance of both A. viridans and P. simplex to chromium and manganese showed significant difference (p<0.05) across all the concentration levels of the metal salts. It is therefore concluded that Chamaecrista rotundifolia growing on Nigerian Air Force shooting range, Kaduna, is associated with endophytic bacteria which could be the reason the plant species thrive in heavy metal-contaminated site.

Assessment Of The Yield Of Microbial Fermented Ripe And Unripe Pawpaw For Bioethanol Production

2024-03-14T10:08:50+00:00

The production of ethanol from Carcia papaya (pawpaw) fruit pulp using dried active baker's yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and isolated yeast from ripe pawpaw pulp was investigated using standard methods. Papaya fruits (ripe and unripe) were collected, washed, and peeled. The pulps were then collected and blended aseptically. Cleaned sterile cheese-cloth was used to sieve the two fruit pulps and the extracts fermented separately with the two yeast broth cultures. The effects of yeast concentration, duration of fermentation, pH, temperature, and different yeast supplements as they relate to the optimization of ethanol production were determined. The fermented pawpaw fruit pulps produced an ethanol content of 8.21% and 4.26% (v/v) for ripe and unripe pawpaw fruit, respectively. Physical and chemical properties of the pawpaw pulp showed that the initial pH of 4.6 was obtained before the start of fermentation with a reducing sugar value of 6.92±0.02. The results of this work show that the rate of alcohol production through fermentation of pawpaw fruit pulp by isolated yeast strain (Saccharomyces spp) increases with fermentation time and peaks at 72 hours. It is also increased with yeast concentration at the temperature of 30°C. An optimum pH of 4.6 was found to be ideal for the fermentation.

Investigation Of The Influence Of The Turbine Wicket Gates Closure Law Pattern On The Water Hammer Effect During Turbine Off-Design Operation

2024-03-20T12:49:16+00:00

Hydraulic transients are accelerated by the wicket gate closing in hydroelectric power plants. When the wicket gate is closed, there is a sudden change in velocity due to the closure. Therefore, a study has been carried out here, wherein water hammers on different hydropower components use optimum closure laws: Fast closure laws, slow closure laws, and instant load rejection. Hammer V10i software was used to investigate the phenomenon of pressure transient. The results show that the maximum transient pressure is strongly influenced by a very short closing time and was increased to 41.24% from the slow to the fast closure.

Furthermore, the results from instant load rejections reveal that the transient pressure will be less than the fast and slow closure. So, the closing law selection can positively influence the entire hydropower plant system. Furthermore, the results show that there was a decrease in pressure near the turbine during the different load rejections, Fast closure, slow closure, and instant load rejection, where 57.7%, 15%, and 0.46%, respectively, and the decrease in turbine rotation speed were as 5.1%, 60%, and 24% respectively. Moreover, results reveal that maximum and minimum flow variation reached -29.75% and 41.2% during the fast closure.

Hydrodynamic Analysis Of Water Hammer Phenomena In Hydropower Stations Under Turbine Extreme Operating Conditions

2024-03-14T10:38:16+00:00

This research article investigates transient hydraulic effects, particularly water hammer phenomena, in a hydropower plant (HEPP) through a comprehensive mathematical model and simulation analysis. Utilizing methods of characteristics and FORTRAN programming, the study develops a model that incorporates water hammer considerations, including friction, in the water conveyance system of the HEPP. The system layout encompasses an upstream reservoir, penstock, turbine unit, and downstream reservoir. The research explores the influence of guide vane closure and pressure regulating valve (PRV) opening and closing laws on pressure variations, mass oscillations, and water level fluctuations within the system. Numerical results indicate that PRV failure may not significantly impact turbine speed, but it results in excessive pressure oscillations in the spiral casing head, exceeding allowable pressure control values. The study identifies a critical PRV diameter of 0.6m, causing a maximum pressure in the spiral case of 370m, surpassing the acceptable limit of 250m, with a speed rise rate exceeding 50%. Conversely, a PRV diameter greater than or equal to 0.9m leads to unnecessary water energy loss. The findings emphasize the importance of carefully selecting PRV parameters to optimize system stability and efficiency. The study's comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the interplay of various parameters, contributing to a scientific basis for optimizing operational parameters and ensuring reliable and efficient hydropower plant performance.

Assessment Of Radionuclides Concentration And Radiological Impact Of Abandoned Tin Mines Soils In Some Communities Of Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, Nigeria

2024-03-14T10:50:08+00:00

The concentration of natural radionuclides in the soil around the world has become an environmental concern for international and national authorities because of the harmful effect of radiation exposure on human health. The samples of soil used for this study were collected from Foron and Heipang districts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The samples were analyzed using Canberra Model 727/727R Lead Shield Gamma-ray Spectrometer with NaI(Ti) detector. The result shows that ⁴⁰K ranges from 301.91 ± 0.24 Bq/kg to 124.97 ± 0.31 Bq/kg from the mining spot to 400 m away from the mining spots. ²²⁶Ra ranges from 105.43 ± 1.76 Bq/Kg to 43.10 ± 0.62 Bq/Kg from mining spots to 400 m away from the mining spots, and ²³²Th also ranges from 92.79 ± 0.26 Bq/kg to 26.97 ± 0.39 Bq/kg respectively. The absorbed dose rate in the air (Dr) has a mean value of 82.88 nGh^-1. The annual effective dose rate (AEDR) mean value was 0.1mSvy^-1, and the radium equivalent (Ra eq) mean value was 180.23 Bq/kg, H_ex and H_in have mean values of 0.49 and 0.69 respectively. The calculated excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) ranges from 0.0003 to 0.00039 with a mean value of 0.00035 in the soil samples. Therefore, this result suggested that the area under study could be termed radiologically unsafe for people living around or close to the area.

Information And Communication Technology (Ict), Globalization And Inpeneding Challenges

2024-03-14T10:57:45+00:00

This paper presents an attempt to examine the place of ICT and Globalization in the world economic activities but did not fail to note, list, and draw attention to the doom being perpetrated by this modern change. Apart from the discussion of some relevant and touchy topics in ICT and Globalization, the paper contains an examination of the concept of ICT, the role of ICT in the economies of the world and ending up in globalization of the entire human race. ICT and Globalization will lead to the risks that many of our valuable information will be lost, stolen, corrupted, or misused. Through the interconnected systems it has become so easy for people to penetrate into others privacy and such unpermitted access could cause harm and loss of computers and files. The gains and losses of ICT and globalization which ought to cancel each other out are in some cases insurmountable, putting nations at advantage over others.

Investigating The Dependence Of Forbush Decrease On Geomagnetic Cutoff Rigidity

2024-03-14T11:04:47+00:00

The dependence of Forbush decreases on geomagnetic cutoff rigidity has been studied. The study aimed to investigate the implications of geomagnetic cutoff rigidity on forbush decrease. To achieve this aim, the data of cosmic ray daily count from six neutron stations of Tibet, Esoi, Tsumeb, Oulu, Apatity, and Magadan were used. These data covered a period of six (6) years from the year 2010 to 2015. An advanced manual method developed by Okike and Umahi (2019b) was used to select the FDs through R. statistical software. A sharp depression in the intensity of cosmic ray variation known as Forbush decrease (FD) was detected. A large number of FDs were recorded. The results of our analysis was grouped into stations of high, low and middle rigidity. The stations of low rigidity recorded the highest number of FDs followed by stations of middle rigidity while the stations of high rigidity recorded the least number of FDs. The magnitude of these FDs was determined. It was observed that FD magnitudes vary inversely with the station's rigidity. A correlation between the FD magnitudes of the cosmic ray (CR) stations was also tested. It was observed that stations of low rigidity indicated the best correlation followed by the stations of middle rigidity, while the stations of high rigidity indicated the least correlation. A regression was further tested between the FD magnitudes of the different stations. The result of the regression between FDs of different stations was 99.8% , 98% and 97.5% significant for stations low, high and middle rigidity stations respectively. In summary, this study used a large number of events to test the rigidity dependence of FDs, and it was observed that FDs are inversely related to the cutoff rigidity. Thus, FDs measured at the CR stations can be used to examine the effects of rigidity between the stations.

Distinguishing Traits Of Thin Films Of Antimony-Doped Cadmium Selenide (Cdse/Sb) On Glass Substrate Versus Fluorine Tin Oxide (Fto) Through Spray Pyrolysis: An Investigative Analysis

2024-03-26T22:14:29+00:00

Thin films of antimony-doped cadmium selenide (CdSe/Sb) were fabricated using the spray pyrolysis technique on both glass and fluorine tin oxide (FTO) substrates at a deposition temperature of 200ºC. Sodium selenosulphite (Na₂SeSo₃) served as a stable source of Se^2- ions, and to ensure complete desolation and achieve ion-by-ion deposition, Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) was employed as a stabilizer and complexing agent. Antimony and cadmium were sourced from their respective chlorides. The optical and solid-state properties were determined through absorption and transmittance measurements in the wavelength range of 300 to 1500 nm. A comparison of the spectral properties between films deposited on glass and FTO substrates revealed distinct characteristics. Films on glass exhibited a continuous spectral nature, while those on FTO displayed a quantized energy level characteristic with a lower band gap ranging between 2.65 to 2.80 eV. In contrast, films on glass substrates demonstrated a higher band gap in the range of 3.7 eV to 4.0 eV. The observed lower band gap and quantized energy levels in films on FTO substrates suggest their suitability for photovoltaic applications by enhancing the absorption of a broader range of solar radiation. In contrast, films on glass with a higher band gap are more suitable for applications requiring selective light absorption or filtering, such as solar thermal collectors or windows, enabling control over specific wavelengths while maintaining transparency. The ability to adjust the band gap through film deposition conditions allows tailored material optimization for diverse solar technologies, impacting efficiency, and manufacturing costs based on specific requirements and considerations.